naisme,
amazing amount of help everyone offers here, I always have a destination, purpose, goal in mind when I go on out...when hiking or out in the bush (west coast) we always share our 'rough' plan with others when we go out. Like how long, where approx., and possible route - I know this is not always practical or useful, but it has been very good for saving someone stuck in a bad situation. Also, depending on your location and route, hikers regularily send 'care packages' to themselves via general delivery...If near phones, I personally like to have a long-distance calling card with me.